Jumping Back into Cruising...New To MSC...Have Questions about Cruising in the Era of Covid

[Georgia_Peaches]

My first post in a long time.  It's nice to be back.  We haven't cruised since March 2020...second to last cruise since the shutdown.  We have waited so long hoping that in doing so, cruising would eventually take on the essence of the good old days.  But, the other day some friends of ours were excitedly chatting away about their upcoming cruise and doggone it, it's just time to get back in!  So if you'll indulge me some of your expertise, I have a few questions:

 

1.  Are embarkation times assigned (and enforced)?

2.  What's muster like these days?  Same as before?

3.  As I've never sailed with MSC I have no idea what the pre-boarding check-in portal is like.  Do you upload your vax card information like you would your passport or do you provide them at the terminal?

4.  Is there random covid screening on board or temp checks at the venues?

5.  Masking appears to be optional according to the website.  Are people masking or mostly not?

 

We are looking to book a YC suite.  Anything tips or recommendations?

 

Thank you so much!

  

[dexddd]

They assign times, often several times varying.  Generally not enforced, especially YC.  Muster is on TV, dial code on phone.

[Two Wheels Only]

3 hours ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

1.  Are embarkation times assigned (and enforced)?

 

Assigned but not enforced.

 

3 hours ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

2.  What's muster like these days?  Same as before?

 

You watch a video at a certain time, call the number when asked, head down to the muster location when asked and have your card scanned. 

 

3 hours ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

Do you upload your vax card information like you would your passport or do you provide them at the terminal?

 

Just do all at the terminal including taking your picture. 

 

3 hours ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

4.  Is there random covid screening on board or temp checks at the venues?

 

I didn't see any but there is mid-week testing if doing a b2b. 

 

3 hours ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

5.  Masking appears to be optional according to the website.  Are people masking or mostly not?

 

Most (other than staff) are not wearing a mask. 

 

Answers are based on a Caribbean cruise last month. 

[mscdivina2016]

3 hours ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

My first post in a long time.  It's nice to be back.  We haven't cruised since March 2020...second to last cruise since the shutdown.  We have waited so long hoping that in doing so, cruising would eventually take on the essence of the good old days.  But, the other day some friends of ours were excitedly chatting away about their upcoming cruise and doggone it, it's just time to get back in!  So if you'll indulge me some of your expertise, I have a few questions:

 

1.  Are embarkation times assigned (and enforced)?

2.  What's muster like these days?  Same as before?

3.  As I've never sailed with MSC I have no idea what the pre-boarding check-in portal is like.  Do you upload your vax card information like you would your passport or do you provide them at the terminal?

4.  Is there random covid screening on board or temp checks at the venues?

5.  Masking appears to be optional according to the website.  Are people masking or mostly not?

 

We are looking to book a YC suite.  Anything tips or recommendations?

 

Thank you so much!

  

Never ever call them for nothing or they will screw up your booking!!!

Worst IT and customer service in the industry.

Use a TA!

[Hobby3333]

2 hours ago, mscdivina2016 said:

Never ever call them for nothing or they will screw up your booking!!!

Worst IT and customer service in the industry.

Use a TA!

I have read about their CS.  I have called three times and never experienced any issues.  Guess I am lucky.

[deliver42]

If you're in the YCX, show up anytime, and look for the white tent. Watch the muster or on MSC and Me, then go to the muster station and they'll scan your sea pass card. That's it, and enjoy the cruise.

[Georgia_Peaches]

Appreciate all the responses!  Great info.  Thank you!

[doones2]

18 hours ago, Hobby3333 said:

I have read about their CS.  I have called three times and never experienced any issues.  Guess I am lucky.

Same here.  They have been very cooperative with my calls.  Of course I am waiting for that to change.  I hope not